On October 9, we were shocked by the sudden loss of Eli Valdez. The news has devastated all who knew and loved him, but none more than his wife, Monica.

Monica and Eli Valdez were the truest of soulmates. Their love for each other was infectious. Nothing meant more to Eli than Monica. He loved his family dearly. He loved his community. But Monica was his everything. And Eli was absolutely everything to Monica.

Before Catherine donated her kidney to Eli in 2019, Monica and Eli were strangers to us. However, immediately after surgery we became a family. Catherine may have given Eli the gift of her kidney, but he gave us so much more.

Eli suffered a lot in his life. But he never complained or gave up hope for the future. He woke every morning and, before doing anything else, thanked Jesus for letting him live. He approached each day as if it were a gift. He loved with his whole being and gave selflessly to anyone who crossed his path.

If you have had the privilege to know either Monica or Eli, you know they are filled with compassion and empathy. They always thought of others before themselves. Eli wanted nothing for himself. He only wanted to make others happy.

That is why we are spearheading this fundraiser for Monica. Eli would want to know that Monica wasn’t worrying about how to keep her home and pay the bills while adjusting to this new reality without her ‘Honey” (as she always called him).

Please help us honor Eli by supporting his wife Monica during this painful time. Donations will be used to help alleviate the financial burden Monica faces after losing Eli so young and so suddenly.

Losing Eli has been a complete shock. Our hearts are broken. But Eli was a man of great faith. He believed in goodness. He believed in giving and kindness. In the name of Eli Valdez, let’s take care of his love as he would.

Any contribution—no matter the amount—is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much. Prayers and messages of support for Monica and Eli’s mourning parents and brothers and sister are also enormously welcomed.

Thank you for your kindness and prayers. We know how much this would mean to Eli.

And it means a great deal to us, too.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Catherine and Jeff Pearlman